The Minnesota Wild will conclude a two-game road trip with a game against the New York Islanders in New York on Friday at 7 p.m. Both teams have struggled this season, with the Wild holding a 5-10 record and the Islanders standing at 6-7.
Both teams have earned points through overtime losses, with Minnesota losing in overtime three times and New York twice, balancing their overall records.
Despite the poor start, the Wild have shown improvement lately. They snapped a five-game losing streak with consecutive wins over the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators. However, they fell short on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes by a single goal, a competitive result against a top NHL team.
The Islanders have had a fluctuating season. They began with three consecutive losses, then won four straight games, followed by another trio of defeats, two wins, and one loss. This inconsistent pattern suggests they may soon enter another losing phase.
Friday's match provides the Islanders a chance to stabilize their season with a home victory, while the Wild aim to extend their improved play as they face the challenge on the second night of back-to-back games.
“That loss was by a single goal against one of the better teams in the NHL, showing how the Wild continue to play more consistently, particularly on offense.”
Author's summary: Both struggling teams seek to end their inconsistent streaks in this Friday night matchup, with the Wild showing recent improvement and the Islanders aiming to regain home momentum.